Bario is located in a remote valley in the Kelabit Highlands, 1200-1500m above sea level, bordering Indonesia. The only access is via twin otter ( from Miri:FAX airline, Rm 70; AUD$25 ).
Bario is a stunning area, with beautiful vistas of mountain ranges, jungle and rice paddy fields. It has become a hub for the Highlands area, though is really just an airport, a few shopfronts, church, school and homes. All products not made or grown locally, have to be brought in via aeroplane or 4WD and boat. The latter option involves an extremely rough 9 - 10 hour road trip from Miri, on the newly created ( courtesy of a logging company ) unsealed mountain road. Simple longboats are then loaded for travel up river to Bario - a very challenging feat through rapids. It would be a daunting task for most, however the Kelabit people take it in their stride.
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